Just three months into his debut, Tarzzan, a member of rookie group ALLDAY PROJECT, has found himself at the center of controversy over alleged use of profanity. The incident has raised concerns about the group’s image.
The controversy began when Tarzzan responded to a fan’s lighthearted post on a communication platform that read, “My love for Annie is like armpit hair, it grows back no matter how many times it’s shaved.” While fellow member Annie reacted warmly, commenting, “Wow, thank you. That metaphor sounds almost poetic,” Tarzzan drew criticism for his starkly different reply: “Wow this is f**ing funny.”
Although he appeared to recognize the problematic nature of the word and attempted to soften it by using English rather than Korean, fans and netizens expressed disappointment that such language was used in a space meant for fan engagement. Annie herself seemed unsettled, responding, “Tarzzan, I told you, no swearing.” Tarzzan then jokingly explained, “No, my friend’s name is F**-ssin, and it reminded me of him.” Annie, however, replied in frustration, “I shouldn’t have left early. Out of control.”
Fans and online users were quick to react. Comments included, “Annie saved the situation. The agency probably had to step in. Being free-spirited is fine, but don’t forget you’re an idol,” and, “If he had written it in Korean, I’d think it was just a mistake. But using English made it feel like he did not know where to draw the line between public and private.” As the controversy spread, even searching Tarzzan’s name on major portals began to show “profanity” as a related keyword.
Many fans suggested that this was a long-brewing issue, pointing to Tarzzan’s previous controversies. His participation in a recent club party performance had already stirred mixed reactions, which intensified when photos emerged of him making an obscene gesture during the event. Critics argue that his freewheeling attitude is crossing the line.
Industry watchers say the situation may be partly tied to the group’s management style. ALLDAY PROJECT members, who are all adults, were allowed to run personal social media accounts from the start of their careers. This is an unusual move for rookies. While the agency, The Black Label, may have intended to give them creative freedom, the latest incident highlights the risks.
One industry insider remarked, “Fan communication is a crucial part of being an idol, but it comes with risks. That is why most agencies do not allow personal accounts until an artist has gained more experience. As platforms for fan engagement become increasingly essential, agencies must also play a bigger role in managing their artists’ behavior within them.”
With the group still in its rookie stage, Tarzzan’s slip-up has left a mark that may take time to repair.
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